Hermit and Priest Slain in Separate Attacks in Oromia, Ethiopia

Abba Haile Michael, a revered anchorite of the Mt. Zuqualla Debre Kewakebt Abune Gebre Menfes Qedus Monastery in East Shewa Diocese, was found murdered near his cave dwelling after twelve years of uninterrupted ascetic life. His body was discovered while the armed assailants remained in the vicinity—despite the presence of riot police permanently stationed around the monastery grounds. He was laid to rest on Monday, June 23, following the Divine Liturgy, near the burial site of monastics slain in a similar attack the previous year.

A day earlier, on June 21, Priest Yohannes Girma of Alem Gena Saint George’s Church, Sheger City Diocese, was fatally stabbed at the gate of his parish church while on his way to celebrate the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

These tragic killings have shaken the faithful and brought renewed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Oromia region. The faithful mourn these new martyrs who gave their lives while in service to God and His Church, calling for peace, justice, and urgent protection for clergy and monastics who remain vulnerable amidst growing unrest.

May their memory be eternal